Is there an application process for the Film Scoring Summer Program?

No, spots are awarded on a first-come first-served basis. All deposits made are in agreement with the Participation Terms and Conditions above. (FAQ #2)

Do I need a Visa to participate in the Film Scoring Summer Program?

Most of the time, no - students can come to Bulgaria for the duration of the course on a travel Visa with no problem. However, there are some countries that Bulgaria requires travelers have a Visa prior to entrance, so you'll need to determine if you are from one of those countries. Need help? Let us know!

What does my tuition cover?

Your tuition covers:

• all hotel expenses (including breakfast and wifi) for the duration of your stay
• all 4 recording sessions (including HD video footage)
• the entire lecture series at the Film Scoring Summer Program
• the 6 university credits offered upon completion.

What is the Film Scoring Academy of Europe?

The Film Scoring Academy of Europe is the host of the Film Scoring Summer Program, and offers three unique programs for film and game composers: 1. Film Scoring Summer Program 2. Online Graduate Diploma in Film and Game Scoring 3. Master of FIne Arts in Music for Motion Pictures and Contemporary Media Special note: Alumni of the Film Scoring Summer Program are eligible for tuition discounts if they elect to participate in another program at the Film Scoring Academy of Europe.

How will I get to the Cherno More Hotel from the Airport when I arrive in Varna?

There are two ways to get to the hotel from the airport: 1. Taxi. Price per trip: 12-15 leva. (€6-8) 2. Private car. Price per trip: 20 leva. (€10) More information will be distributed to participating composers closer to the summer.

What is the experience level of the other participants?

We have developed this program to welcome composers of all ages and levels of skill or experience. Some of our students are musicians who have never composed for film, and others have some experience in composing for shorts or features. Some have music degrees, and some don't! If you already have some experience in composing music for film, this program will give you the opportunity to add 4 live-recorded original compositions to your portfolio, and refine your skills in Composition for Film, MIDI Mockups, the DAW and notation software. And if you've never composed music for film, we'll be starting from scratch to introduce you to the process!

#2: Participation Terms and Conditions

All payments are subject to the following Participation Terms and Conditions: The Film Scoring Summer Program reserves the right to cancel any composer's participation if it is deemed that the composer does not meet the following requirements. Composers must possess the ability to read and notate music. If you can't read music, unfortunately you'll not be successful on the Film Scoring Summer Program, as this is a foundation all composers must have in order to orchestrate their music for our ensembles. Composers must possess some basic orchestration or arranging skills. Composers must possess some basic skills in notation software (Sibelius, Finale, or Dorico) and a DAW (Logic, Cubase, Digital Performer, Ableton, etc.) Composers must own and bring the following technological requirements:

• A laptop (preferably a Macbook Pro) OR portable desktop with display
• A small MIDI Keyboard
• Notation Software (Sibelius, Finale, or Dorico)
• DAW (Logic, Cubase, Digital Performer, Ableton, etc.)
• Sound libraries (New to this? Try the East West Composer Cloud!)

Is there a minimum age requirement to participate?

Yes, the minimum age to participate in the Film Scoring Summer Program is 18 years.

What is the exact schedule?

Friday, July 1, 2022 - Arrival day and Hotel Check-in (9:00pm Introductory Meeting) Saturday, July 2 - Day 1 -- Program Begins. Tuesday, July 5 - Recording Session #1 (Solo Piano) Sunday, July 10 - Recording Session #2 (String Quintet + 2 Clarinets) Sunday, July 17 - Recording Session #3 (21-piece Ensemble: Strings, Piano, Harp) Sunday, July 24 - Recording Session #4 (38-piece Symphony Orchestra) Wednesday, July 27 - Review Day, Closing Dinner and Beach Party Thursday, July 28 - Departure Day and Hotel Check-out Composers can choose to check-in earlier or check-out later than the above dates. This will be at their expense, and they will be able to arrange this with the Film Scoring Summer Program staff closer to the commencement of the program.

#1: Financial Terms and Conditions

All payments are subject to the following terms and conditions: The €350 deposit is non-refundable. The €350 deposit to enroll is subtracted from the total tuition amount of the enrolling composer. Tuition is fully refundable if the composer cancels prior to May 15th, 2022. If a composer cancels, for any reason, on or after May 15th, 2022 (GMT+3), the tuition is non-refundable. Remaining tuition amounts from enrolled composers are due before May 15, 2022. The Film Scoring Summer Program reserves the right to cancel any composer's participation if the tuition is not paid in full prior to this date. In this event, tuition paid up until this date will be refunded, less the non-refundable deposit. The composer must decide which hotel arrangement they want: a shared room with one other participant, or a single room. The corresponding prices are listed on the enrollment form on our homepage. A single room can be shared with the composer's spouse at no extra charge. Tuition covers the composer's hotel stay for a check-in on July 1, 2022 and a check-out on July 28, 2022. If the composer needs additional nights in the hotel before or after the program, they can arrange this in advance with the staff of the Film Scoring Summer Program and pay at the hotel desk. Composers will receive our discounted rate in the Cherno More Hotel if they need additional nights outside of the included dates.

Can I conduct my own music on the recording sessions?

The answer to this question is determined on an individual basis with the Film Scoring Summer Program faculty. If you would like to have the opportunity to conduct your own music, you should inquire about this option. You may be asked to provide examples of your conducting work in the past. Keep in mind - many composers who are also conductors in the film music industry still opt to stay in the booth for their session and let someone else conduct their music. It is not possible to hear all of the details you need to hear while you're in the live room, and you may rather stay in the booth with the recording engineer and score supervisor to ensure you get everything out of the performance that you need.

What about the 6 university credits?

The Film Scoring Summer Program is a 3.5 week / 6 credit summer course offered through European Academy of Fine Arts / Irish American University, an accredited institution of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in the United States. All composers who successfully complete the Film Scoring Summer Program will automatically be conferred 6 transferrable university credits from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in the United States. 6 Middle States credits transfer to approximately 12 ECTS credits. The receiving institution ultimately decides how many ECTS credits are transferrable.

#3: COVID-19 Policy for 2022

If we are forced to alter the 2022 Film Scoring Summer Program due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will host the program ONLINE. In this event, composers will be provided the following options: 1. Composers can choose to have a full refund if their tuition, including the program deposit. 2. Composers can choose to move their program deposit and tuition to the 2023 Film Scoring Summer Program. 3. Composers can choose to participate in our Online Film Scoring Summer Program, which will include the entire lecture series, all four recording sessions and six university credits that the in-person program did. In this event, the costs associated with the hotel stay will be deducted from the composer's tuition.